Portable Cooling Device

ABSTRACT

In an embodiment, a portable cooling device comprises a duct having two ends at opposing sides. An end is adapted for air intake while an opposing end is adapted for air expulsion. A fan is positioned within the duct and in communication with a motor. Further, a heat sink is positioned within the duct comprising adapted to receive a cooling pod insertably mounted in a central through-hole of the heat sink. The cooling pod is removable and replaceable. The motor is in communication with a power source. In an embodiment, a solar panel is positioned on the duct providing auxiliary power to the power source. Each end of the duct comprises an aperture each adapted to receive an air intake grate and air expulsion grate.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a personal temperature control apparatus. More particularly, an inexpensive air conditioning device which can utilize replaceable cold packs, solar power, and heat sinks to relieve an individual during bouts of elevated temperature or in hot climate surroundings.

2. Description of Related Art

There are several known prior art apparatuses for providing personal heating and or cooling to an individual. In centuries past, people would rely on mechanical energy to cool off by waving a folded fan in front of their face or body. This technology uses an even older technology used by the human body of creating sweat. The sweat is evaporated, a process requiring energy in the form of heat. The latent heat required for the evaporation of water will, in turn, cool the body. This energy is pulled from the body, resulting in the feeling of cooling off. At some point long ago, people realized that moving air over the body, such as in the above case wherein a folded fan is used, one could accelerate the cooling process.

As technology progressed, the prior art has implemented the use of electricity to generate energy necessary for conditioning the air or environment. Instead of a hand-powered fan, a fan powered by electricity could be used. This allowed for continuous airflow over an area affected by the fan. This technology is still in use today, however many require a 120V wall outlet in order to power them. This works great for the home, however these models are not portable.

To fix the portability problem, handheld and battery powered fans have been invented. Furthermore, some of these fans have been adapted to spray water, further cooling the user. While the addition of water helps cool the user, it may leave the user soaked if the user is not careful in where they spray. Furthermore, the excess water may annoy those nearby who do not wish to be sprayed.

An impending issue with these fans is that while they are moving air to facilitate the feeling of cooling off, these fans may be moving hot air. For example, it is undesirable to have a fan blowing when the air temperature is too high. This results in simply moving around hot air and may make the user feel hotter than if there were no fan.

Technology further progressed with the development of air conditioners. These units may work in a number of different ways, utilizing the inherent laws of thermodynamics, but are typically characterized by modifying the condition of the air. This may be achieved by cooling, de-humidifying, cleaning, ventilating, or moving air. These systems work in a variety of ways to accomplish the above tasks, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Air conditioners are installed in many homes residing in an area with a hot climate, however these designs are not portable. Once one leaves their home, they are subjected to the outside environment, without the cool air emitted by an air conditioner. Young children and elderly populations are especially susceptible to extreme hot temperatures. In situations such as sporting events, one may be subjected to the hot sun indefinitely with no relief. Currently no convenient ailments are available, a suitable solution is desired.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a portable cooling device that is easy to use, and available for a variety of situations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an embodiment, a portable cooling device comprises two ends; a first end wherein an aperture is adapted for air intake, and an opposing end wherein an aperture is adapted for air expulsion. An air intake grate is positioned at the terminus of the first aperture and an air expulsion grate is positioned at the terminus of the opposing end.

In an embodiment, one or more fans are positioned within the duct and adapted to direct the flow of air through the duct. The one or more fans are in communication with at least one motor, which is in communication with at least one power source.

In an embodiment, a solar panel is positioned on the duct and adapted to provide supplemental power to the power source. In an embodiment, the portable cooling device is adapted to receive power through a bus that is positioned to receive a connector.

In an embodiment, a heat sink is positioned within the duct, comprising a central through-hole adapted to receive a cooling pod. A plurality of fins are positioned and extending radially from the central through-hole.

In an embodiment, the cooling pod is removable and replaceable, allowing for continued use of the device.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the fan, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of the heat sink, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the heat sink, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the components of the device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages may be understood by referring to FIGS. 1-5, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.

In a preferred embodiment, the entire device can be held and should fit in the hand of the user. This allows for the portable personal cooling device to be used anywhere seen fit by the user. In general, the device contains a fan, heat sink, in addition to, intake and expulsion ports to allow air to be driven by the fan into, and out of the device. The heat sink allows for the absorption of energy in order to cool the air within. This cooled air is expelled from the device by a fan within.

In reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the design is displayed in which a housing 10 encompasses the inner mechanisms of the device. The housing 10 is molded to form a duct, which aids in the directional intake and expulsion of air. The housing 10 is molded such that two apertures are located at opposing ends of the device. An aperture at an end of the device houses an air intake grate 11 allowing air to be drawn into the housing duct 10. At the opposing end of the device in reference to the air intake grate 11, an air expulsion grate 8 allows for the expulsion of air from the device.

In an embodiment of the design, the air intake grate 11, and air expulsion grate 8, are removable and form the aperture of the housing 10. The removability of each grate allows for functionality of the device and easy maintenance of the device. In an embodiment, the grates are fixed to the housing by a pressure lock between the rim of the housing 10 and the rim of each of the two grates. In an alternate embodiment, each grate is attached by other means commonly known in the art of attaching items about an aperture.

In an embodiment, the device has one or more solar panels 9 mounted, or by some means integrated into or on top of the housing 10 of the device. The solar panel 9 is in communication with a battery of the device, providing primary or supplementary power to the device. The solar panel allows for the device to be used for a longer period of time, in a situation of extended use such as at a concert, sporting event, or other all day event. In an embodiment, the solar panel 9 is an optional feature of the device, potentially available in upgraded versions of the device. In an embodiment, the solar panel 9 is removable by the user. In an embodiment, one or more solar panels 9 provide supplemental power to the device when in use, as well as, charging the batteries of the device when not in use.

In a preferred embodiment, the device has a bus input port 7 allowing for charging of the device. The bus input port 7 may be a USB bus port, or other power input mechanism known in the art. The bus input port 7 is molded into the housing 10 of the device. The bus input port 7 is in communication with a battery, allowing the device to be charged by various methods known in the art. In an embodiment, the bus input port 7 of the device is in communication with the solar panel 9 as well as a battery allowing for the further communication between the device and external sources of information, electrical power, or analytical equipment.

In a preferred embodiment, the bus input port is adapted to receive a connector. The connector may be valuable for transmitting power to the device, or extracting diagnostic information from the device.

In reference to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the air intake grate 11 is removed, revealing inner components of the device. Removing the air intake grate 11 reveals one or more batteries 3 which are in communication with one or more bus input ports 7. Batteries of the device are able to receive power from the bus input port 7 as well as the solar panel 9. Power may then be stored and drawn into utilization as the device is in use.

In an embodiment, one or more fan motors 12 are attached to the housing 10. The fan motors 12 are in communication with the bus input port 7 to directly receive external power, in the scenario of the device being plugged in to a power source. As a primary function, the fan motor 12 powers the rotational motion of a fan blade.

In an embodiment, the fan blade is mounted to the fan motor. The mount allows for continuous rotational motion of a fan that draws air into the device.

In an embodiment, the fan motor is in communication with one or more solar panels 9 allowing for supplemental power to the device.

In reference to FIG. 3, a fan 6 is shown in an embodiment of the invention. The primary function of the fan is to move air in a specific direction into, through, and out of the device. The fan 6 comprises a plurality of blades, affixed to a central axis. Blades are positions to facilitate the directional flow of air through the duct of the device.

In an embodiment, the fan comprises a plurality of blades 20 adapted to facilitate the flow of air through the device. Fan blades 20 are positioned about a central axis 22 and extend radially from the central axis 22.

In an embodiment, the fan 6 is in communication with the fan motor or other power source. Communication with the power source allows the fan to rotate about the central axis.

In alternate embodiments, a turbine, or other high density power source may be utilized to propel air into or out of the device.

In an embodiment, one or more fans may be utilized in order to maximize air intake and expulsion.

In reference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, one or more heat sinks 1 are shown in an embodiment of the present invention. In general, heat sinks function by facilitating the transfer of thermal energy between mediums. In this case, energy from the air will be transferred to the heat sink in order to reduce the energy, in the form of heat, in the air. Hot air is drawn into the system by the fan 6, through the air intake grate 11, and propelled by the fan 6 through the heat sink 1. The heat sink 1 is positioned in the duct formed by the housing 10 of the device. The heat sink is positioned such that air may pass through freely, allowing for the exchange of energy from the hot air, to the relatively cool heat sink 1.

In an embodiment, one or more heat sinks 1 are molded to contain a hollow cylindrical aperture extending through the center of the heat sink 1. A cooling pod 2 is molded to fit inside of the aperture. The cooling pod 2 will be pre-cooled by the user, or purchased from a vendor having stored the cooling pod 2 at a low temperature. In an embodiment, pluralities of fins are extending radially around the circumference of the heat sink 1. Fins act to increase the surface area of the heat sink, as ore surface area generally related to better a more effective heat sink. Materials with high levels of thermal conductivity should be used such as aluminum, copper, or graphene.

In an alternate embodiment, other shapes, fin characteristics, and forms of a heat sink may be used in order to optimize the heat conductivity and thus the effectiveness of the device.

In an embodiment, the heat sink is removable from the device, allowing for additional forms and configurations to be implemented as best deemed applicable by the user.

In an embodiment, the cooling pod 2 is removable from the heat sink. The removability allows for the user to input a new cooling pod 2 into the device during periods of extended use. Further, the user may cool the cooling pod 2 during times when the device is not in use, and return the cooling pod 2 to the heat sink prior to use.

In an embodiment, multiple heat sinks may be positioned within the housing to accommodate longer durations of use.

In a preferred embodiment, the heat sink is thermo-conductive pyrolytic graphene, providing the maximum amount of thermal conductivity.

In a preferred embodiment, the tube is made of polymer aerogel. This material is preferential because of the low thermal conductive properties of the material retaining the low temperature of heat sink within the tube and reduce the transfer of heat from the outside of the tube.

In reference to FIG. 5, a diagram of individual components with regards to their orientation within the device is shown. In general, the housing 10 is molded to encompass the internal parts of the device. The housing forms a duct, having a hollow core with apertures at each end of the device. An aperture is adapted to house an air intake grate 11 that allows for the intake of air into the device. The air intake grate 11 is attached the perimeter of the housing 10 aperture. The air intake grate is constructed to allow the free flow of air into the device, as well as filtering large airborne particle from being drawn into the device and potentially causing damage.

Facilitating the intake of air is a fan 6 positioned inside the duct formed by the housing 10. The fan 6 is in communication with a fan motor 12 also positioned inside the housing. The fan 6 is positioned such that airflow is optimally directed into and through the device. Other air propulsion technology known in the art may be implemented in place of the fan.

In a preferred embodiment, the fan 6 is positioned at the aperture adapted for air intake, providing the force required to propel air into and through the device. The fan rotates about an axle 13 in communication with the rotational forces supplied by the motor.

As air is propelled through the device, the air passes through one or more heat sinks 1 functioning to transfer energy from the air into the conductive material of the heat sink 1. In an embodiment of the design, each heat sink 1 has a plurality of fins extending from the center of the heat sink 1. At the center, the heat sink 1 is molded to form a through-hole in which a cooling pod 2 is inserted. The cooling pod 2 is pre-cooled prior to insertion into the device in order for the heat sink 1 to transfer as much energy as possible into the cooling pod 2, resulting in the heat sink to drop in temperature.

In an embodiment, the opposing aperture of the housing will house an air expulsion grate 8, allowing for the free flow of air through the device. Air will be propelled out of the device through the aperture and expulsion grate 8. The expulsion grate 8 may be removed to access inner components of the device such as the cooling pod 2.

In an embodiment, one or more solar panels 9 are positioned on the external surface of the housing 10. The solar panel is in communication with the battery and fan motor in order to provide supplemental power to the device. Further, the solar panel 9 in communication with the battery 3 may have a charging feature when the device is not in use.

In an embodiment, the outer duct is comprised of solar material allowing for the entire surface of the device to provide auxiliary power to the power source.

In an embodiment, an input port 7, such as a USB port, or another known in the art, is molded into the housing of the device. The bus input port 7 is in communication with the battery 3 to allow for charging and direct power to the device. In a more complex embodiment, the bus input port 7 is in communication with the fan motor 12 to apply direct power to the system, as well as the solar panel 9. In a further embodiment, power stored within the battery of the device may be used to charge external devices through the bus input port 7.

In an embodiment, orientation of the inner components such as the fan and heat sink may be modulated or reversed in order to better accomplish the function of the device.

In an embodiment of the design, components of the portable personal cooling device may be integrally molded in order to reduce production costs or potential pitfalls of a more complex design.

In an embodiment, the personal cooling deice further comprises Bluetooth capabilities or other wireless connectivity features. In an embodiment, the device may be integrated with a smartphone application in order to control the device, provide diagnostics, or other useful tools known in the art.

In an embodiment, the device has temperature control features allowing the user to control the temperature of; expelled air, cooling pod, heat sink, duct, or other feature of the design.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments for the purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the invention can be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not be regarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with the following claims. 

I claim:
 1. A portable cooling device comprising: a. a duct having two ends; i. a first end having an aperture adapted for air intake; and ii. an opposing end having an aperture adapted for air expulsion; b. one or more fans positioned within the duct, wherein the one or more fans are in communication with at least one motor, wherein the at least one motor is in communication with at least one power source; c. a heat sink positioned within the duct comprising; i. a cooling pod in contact with the heat sink, wherein the cooling pod is removable and replaceable.
 2. The portable cooling device of claim 1, wherein a solar panel is positioned on the duct.
 3. The portable cooling device of claim 1, wherein the heat sink further comprises; a. a central through-hole; b. a plurality of fins extending radially around the through-hole; and c. the cooling pod insertably mounted in the through-hole.
 4. The portable cooling device of claim 2, wherein the solar panel is in communication with the power source.
 5. The portable cooling device of claim 2, wherein the solar panel is adapted to supply auxiliary power to the power source.
 6. The portable cooling device of claim 4, wherein the power source is in communication with a bus positioned to receive a connector.
 7. The portable cooling device of claim 6, wherein the bus is a Universal Serial Bus.
 8. The portable cooling device of claim 1, further comprising a temperature control setting.
 9. The portable cooling device of claim 1, wherein the portable cooling device has wireless connectivity.
 10. The portable cooling device of claim 1, wherein the two ends comprise; a. an air intake grate positioned at the first end aperture and b. an air expulsion grate positioned at the opposing end aperture.
 11. The portable cooling device of claim 1, wherein the duct has a circular cross-section.
 12. The portable cooling device of claim 1, wherein the duct has a rectangular cross-section. 